FERGUS – Police are looking for help to identify two suspects in a recent distraction theft.
On Nov. 25 at about 2:30pm, the victim reported two men following them at a grocery store on St. David Street North in Fergus.
“The victim believes their debit card PIN was compromised during checkout,” stated a Dec. 2 press release from the Wellington County OPP.
“The victim returned home, followed by the suspects. One suspect approached the victim in their driveway and engaged in conversation, claiming he had lost his family dog and requested assistance in locating it.”
Police added that while the victim was distracted, “a second suspect entered the victim’s vehicle and stole the victim’s debit and credit cards. Shortly after, the victim received multiple notifications of declined withdrawal attempts and one successful withdrawal of $400.”
Police are asking for help to identify the suspects and vehicle involved.
One suspect is described as a brown man between 5’10” and 6’ tall with an average build. The other is described as a brown man, about 5’9” tall with a slim build.
The vehicle is described as a dark blue four-door Chevy Malibu, 2021 or newer.
Snow plow crash
PUSLINCH – A Cambridge driver is charged following a collision with a snow plow.
Emergency crews responded to a collision between a hatchback and a snow plow on Downey Road in Puslinch Township, on Nov. 28 at about 9:15am.
“The accused was transported to local hospital with minor injuries and the snow plow driver did not sustain injuries as a result of the accident,” stated a Dec. 2 press release from the Wellington County OPP.
A 22-year-old from Cambridge was charged with driving a vehicle with cannabis readily available, driving without a licence and careless driving.
The accused is to appear in Guelph court at a later date.
Drove past ‘road closed’ sign, barrier
MAPLETON – A Drayton driver was charged after disregarding a “road closed” sign near the scene of a fatal crash last week.
On Dec. 2 at about 10:45am, a Wellington County OPP officer was at the intersection of Concession 8 and Wellington Road 10, near Moorefield.
“Wellington Road 10 was closed at the time, due to a fatal collision that occurred earlier that morning,” police stated in a Dec. 3 press release.
“Despite clearly posted road closure signage, a driver bypassed the barricade and proceeded toward the collision scene.”
A 45-year-old from Drayton was charged withdriving on a closed highway.
Police say residents are encouraged to visit municipal511.ca for the most up-to-date road closure information in Wellington County.
Driving charges
NORTH PERTH – A Palmerston teen has been charged after failing to stop for a school bus and colliding with a stop sign.
On Dec. 4 at about 3pm Perth County OPP officers saw a vehicle fail to stop for a school bus in Atwood.
“That vehicle then proceeded onto a side road where [it] collided with a stop sign,” police stated in Dec. 4 press release.
“The driver of the vehicle and his four passengers did not sustain any injuries. During the investigation police located several containers of open alcohol in the vehicle.”
A 17-year-old male from Palmerston was charged with failing to stop for a school bus, careless driving, failing to surrender a licence and care or control of a vehicle with an open container of liquor.
Partner violence
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local police continue to lay intimate partner violence charges across the county.
Those arrested include a 35-year-old from Erin, who was charged with spousal assault in relation to an incident in Erin on Dec. 2.
The accused individuals is to appear in Guelph court at a later date.
Snowmobiler tips
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local police are reminding snowmobilers to respect the status of trails and to avoid using closed trails.
“Snowmobile trails are still being staked, brush is being cleared, and debris is actively being removed,” stated a Dec. 4 press release from the Wellington COunty OPP.
“Trails are not ready yet within Wellington County, but the season is on its way. Please be patient.”
Police say Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) trails are managed to ensure rider safety and protect landowner agreements – and when trails are marked closed, it means conditions are unsafe or access is restricted.
According to the OPP, riding on closed trails can:
– put drivers at risk (hazards like thin ice, hidden obstacles, or unfinished grooming can cause serious injury);
– damage landowner relationships (unauthorized use can lead to permanent loss of trail access for everyone); and
– result in fines or charges (trespassing on closed trails is illegal and enforceable).
“Wellington OPP is working collaboratively with all snowmobile clubs within the county to ensure safety and compliance,” [police stated.
“Riders must have valid insurance, permits and trail passes to operate on public trails. Your cooperation keeps trails safe, preserves access, and protects the future of snowmobiling in Ontario.”
* * *
Anyone with information about any of the above incidents can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at csgw.tips.
